Advanced Cooling Challenge

Improving the average efficiency of air conditioners sold in 2030 by 30% compared to today’s models would reduce emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) by up to 25 billion metric tons over the lifetime of the equipment. This reduction is equivalent to wiping out the annual emissions of 1,550 coal-fired power plants. High-efficiency room air conditioners would also reduce peak electricity demand by as much as 790 gigawatts. Energy-efficient air conditioners that use refrigerants with a low global warming potential (GWP) would double the climate benefit of a refrigerant transition alone and help clean the air in our cities.

The Advanced Cooling Challenge (ACC) urges governments, companies, and other stakeholders to make, sell, promote, or install super-efficient air conditioner or cooling solutions that are smart, climate friendly, and affordable. The campaign seeks commitments, supporting actions, and endorsing statements from energy and related government agencies, public sector organizations, manufacturers, retailers, institutional buyers, and foundations.

Since its launch at CEM7, the Advanced Cooling Challenge achieved commitments to:

Increase innovation and adoption of improved cooling technologies

Invest over $1.4 billion in air conditioner efficiency and clean refrigerants

Advance policy development in over 20 countries around the world

At CEM8, the ACC unveiled the Global AC Market Tracking Tool. This tool tracks the availability of air conditioner products based on energy efficiency, refrigerants, costs, and size metrics in member countries—most relevant in the Indian, Chinese, and Saudi Arabian markets.

At CEM 9, Mexico hosted, with support from China, the IEA, and K-CEP, a side-event on “Delivering Sustainable Cooling in a Warming World”.